The Glory

Sunday, 18 September 2016

If you're looking for a book to read on a rainy day, I highly recommend anything written by Lauren St. John... and really, I mean anything, because all of her books will brighten up your day, especially the warm-hearted ones categorised into children's fiction. A few years ago, I fell in love with The One Dollar Horse trilogy, and since finishing all three books, I've always wanted to read more horse racing / equestrian related stories.

A feel good book, The Gloryfollows the story of two teenagers, delinquent Alexandra Blakewood, and former star student, now burger joint worker, Will Greyton. Each tackling some of life's biggest problems (escaping from a camp for troubled youths, and coping with the illness of a family member, to name a few), they both sign up to join The Glory, a prestigious riding competition that will put both themselves, and their horses, through the extremes. Navigating 1,200 miles across dangerous terrain, and risking life and limb to win a cash prize of $250,000, they must do everything in their power to win the competition - even more so when freedom and family is on the line.

For me, I think Will deserves first place for the best and most developed character in the book. Determined, fierce and charming, it was extremely hard not to fall in love with him (especially when I reflect back on how he was so passionate and selfless in everything that he did, including looking out for others competitors and horses, even though it sometimes lead to dire consequences).

3 words to describe the book:

Feel-good, warm, exciting.

Rating:

✮✮✮/✮✮✮✮✮

Filled with drama, suspense and animals which are vibrantly brought to life through mere words on a page, The Glory is a novel that's hard to put down... and one that you'll want to read again and again and again once you've finished it.